{"id":50,"date":"2026-03-28T17:49:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T17:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/?page_id=50"},"modified":"2026-06-09T10:48:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T10:48:45","slug":"cancer-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/resources\/cancer-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Cancer Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Cancer care is not the same for everyone, and research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges when it comes to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health. Many of these challenges come from barriers like limited access to affirming healthcare providers, the lack of representation in medical research, and past experiences with discrimination. Because of this, LGBTQIA+ individuals are less likely to receive routine cancer screenings and may be diagnosed at later stages. There is also evidence showing higher risks for certain cancers, including breast, cervical, lung, and others.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This page is designed to make cancer care more accessible and easier to navigate. It brings together screening resources, guidance on what tests you may need based on your body and risk factors, and connections to LGBTQIA+-affirming cancer care programs and support services. It also highlights resources for treatment and survivorship, including peer support and commu<\/em>nity-based programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Cancer Screening Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Breast Cancer Screening<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancer Services Program (CSP)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free mammograms and clinical breast exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: 1-866-442-CANCER<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cancer Services Program at NewYork-Presbyterian\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free screenings at participating doctor\u2019s offices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: (929) 470-9922<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Italian Cancer Foundation\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free mammograms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: 877-628-9090<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.americanitaliancancer.org\">www.americanitaliancancer.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breast Examination Center of Harlem (TBECH)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free mammograms and breast exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: (212) 531-8000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Cervical Cancer Screening<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancer Services Program (CSP)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pap tests, HPV testing, pelvic exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: 1-866-442-CANCER<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cancer Services Program at NewYork-Presbyterian\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cervical cancer screenings at no cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: (929) 470-9922<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breast Examination Center of Harlem (TBECH)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pap smears included in services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: (212) 531-8000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Colorectal Cancer Screening<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancer Services Program (CSP)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FIT\/FOBT test kits and colonoscopies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: 1-866-442-CANCER<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cancer Services Program at NewYork-Presbyterian\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Colorectal screenings at no cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone: (929) 470-9922<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Multi-Screening (Covers Multiple Cancer Types)<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancer Services Program (CSP)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cancer Services Program at NewYork-Presbyterian\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Screening Guidance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Step 1: What is Cancer Screening and why is it important?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cancer screenings help detect cancer early, often before symptoms develop. Early detection increases the success rate for cancer treatment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Step 2: What are the different kinds of Cancer Screening and which ones do I need?<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breast cancer\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screening tests: Mammogram and clinical breast exam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who should get screened: average risk women from 40+, those with physical symptoms such as breast mass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender women should be screened five years after starting estrogen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender men should receive the same screenings as cisgender women unless a mastectomy has been performed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nonbinary individuals should be screened based on presence of breast tissue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cervical cancer\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screening tets: Pap test, high-risk HPV test, pelvic exam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who should get screened: Women and other individuals at average risk for cervical cancer should be screened regularly starting at age 25.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transgender men, whose cervix has not been removed, should still get screened. Cisgender lesbians <strong>are not at a lower risk<\/strong> for cervical cancer, regular cancer screening is still necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non binary individuals should get screened if they have a cervix.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colorectal cancer\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screening tests: Fecal occult blood test, Colonoscopy (for individuals who are at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who should get screened: 21+ for individuals at higher risk (family history), 45+ for individuals at average risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screening recommendations are the same for all individuals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Step 3: Where can I get a free screening done? (eligibility)&nbsp;<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cancer Services Program (CSP)&nbsp; 1-866-442-CANCER, provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at NO COST to people who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Live in New York State<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not have health insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have health insurance with a cost share that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and\/or diagnostic services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet income eligibility requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet age requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cancer Services Program at NewYork-Presbyterian provides free cancer screenings at participating doctor\u2019s offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be eligible for the free screening program, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meet age and income requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Live in New York State<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not having health insurance or being underinsured<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">American Italian Cancer Foundation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>P: 877-628-9090 | W: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.americanitaliancancer.org\/\">www.americanitaliancancer.org<br><\/a>Hours of operation:<br>Hotline: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm<br>Clinic: Monday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm<br>Eligible for women that are at least 40 years old, NYC residents and those who have not had a mammogram in over a year. To schedule a mammogram call the hotline number above and the operator will schedule you for an appointment at a location closest to you. Hotline is available in Spanish, although appointments do not offer translation services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Breast Examination Center of Harlem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>P: 212-531-8000<br>Hours of operation:<br>Hotline: Monday\u2013Friday 8:30am-5:00pm<br>Appointments: Monday\u2013Friday 8:30am-5:00pm and first Saturday of each month 8:30am-3:00pm<br>The Breast Examination Center of Harlem (TBECH), an outreach program of MSKCC, provides female NYC residents 40 years or older with no cost mammograms and pap smears. There is no cost for uninsured women, and women with insurance should call the hotline number listed above to verify they can receive services. The hotline is offered in Spanish and TBECH will provide translation for appointments if needed.<br>Located at 163 West 125th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10027.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Step 4: Scheduling your screening<\/summary>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify which screenings you need based on age and risk level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check to see if you qualify for free screenings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call the numbers listed to schedule an appointment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attend your appointment and follow up on results<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">LGBTQ+-Affirming Cancer Care Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center LGBTQI+ Cancer Care Program<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location: 1275 York Ave, Manhattan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus: Inclusive cancer treatment, screening, and survivorship care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services: Care coordination, screening guidance, genetic testing, and support during treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Designed specifically to address barriers LGBTQ+ patients face and ensure respectful, affirming care throughout the cancer journey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>SHARE Cancer Support LGBTQIA+ Initiative<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location: Manhattan (community-based program)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus<strong>:<\/strong> Breast, chest, and gynecologic cancers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services: Peer support groups, education, helplines, and advocacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Provides free, community-driven support tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals navigating cancer care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Callen-Lorde Community Health Center<\/strong><\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus<strong>:<\/strong> LGBTQ+ primary care, including cancer screening and prevention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> Preventive screenings, hormone care, HIV services, and medical support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: One of NYC\u2019s leading LGBTQ-focused health centers, improving access to inclusive preventive care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Treatment and Survivorship Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Survivorship Program<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location: Manhattan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services: Support groups, mental health counseling, nutrition guidance, fitness programs, and long-term survivorship care plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Provides ongoing support after treatment, helping patients adjust physically and emotionally to life after cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>SHARE Cancer Support (LGBTQIA+ Initiative)<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> Manhattan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services: Peer support groups, helplines, education programs, and community resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Offers LGBTQ+-specific support spaces and resources tailored to survivorship and emotional well-being<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Cancer Care<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> New York City<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> Free counseling, support groups, and resource navigation for patients, survivors, and caregivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Provides professional emotional support and LGBTQ+-inclusive services during and after treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center \u2013 Survivorship Program<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> Manhattan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> Personalized survivorship care plans, follow-up care coordination, and quality-of-life support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Helps patients transition from treatment to survivorship with ongoing medical and wellness support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Barriers to Care Within LGBTQIA+ Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LGBTQ+ individuals in NYC often face barriers that make accessing cancer care more difficult. These include limited access to culturally competent providers, past experiences with discrimination or stigma in healthcare settings, and gaps in insurance or consistent primary care. Many patients may avoid screenings due to fear of being misgendered or not having their identities respected, which can lead to later diagnoses and worse health outcomes. In addition, a lack of data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity makes it harder to fully understand and address these disparities. Together, these challenges highlight the need for more inclusive, affirming, and accessible cancer care systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Additional Health Support Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CUNY LGBTQI+ Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> Across CUNY campuses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> Advocacy, campus programming, and resource sharing for LGBTQ+ students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Helps connect students to affirming health services, including referrals to inclusive cancer screening and care resources within and outside CUNY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CUNY School of Public Health LGBTQ+ Health Initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> Harlem, NYC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> Research, education, and community outreach on LGBTQ+ health disparities, including cancer prevention and screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: Focuses on improving health equity through data, awareness, and public health programs that directly impact LGBTQ+ cancer care access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Callen-Lorde Community Health Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location<strong>:<\/strong> Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services<strong>:<\/strong> LGBTQ+-affirming primary care, cancer screenings, PrEP\/HIV services, and mental health support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why it matters: One of NYC\u2019s leading LGBTQ+ health providers, offering inclusive preventive care and referrals for cancer treatment and survivorship support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em><em>This website was created through the collaborative efforts of the 2026 LGBTQIA+ Health Fellows Program,&nbsp;an initiative&nbsp;founded and developed through the leadership and vision of Dr. Jan Oosting,&nbsp;Associate Professor, Nursing;&nbsp;Mateo Tebar, LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Assistant;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;Sweeney, Associate Director of Student Life.&nbsp;Special recognition is extended to Tiya Williams, LGBTQIA+ Health Fellows Program&nbsp;College Assistant, for coordinating resources and supporting the website development. Additional recognition goes to Jesse Evans-Rice, Open Lab Manager, and Christina Chala,&nbsp;CUNY Central\u2019s&nbsp;Student Inclusion Office Manager, for their guidance, support, and contributions throughout the project. Their collective dedication and commitment helped make this resource possible, and&nbsp;it will&nbsp;continue to support the community for years to come. <\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em><em>This project is made possible due to&nbsp;generous funding from&nbsp;the New York City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and supported by The LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/209\/2026\/06\/Email-Signature-Badge-2026-Fellows-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/209\/2026\/06\/Email-Signature-Badge-2026-Fellows-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/209\/2026\/06\/Email-Signature-Badge-2026-Fellows-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/209\/2026\/06\/Email-Signature-Badge-2026-Fellows-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/209\/2026\/06\/Email-Signature-Badge-2026-Fellows-1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cancer care is not the same for everyone, and research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges when it comes to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health. Many of these challenges come from barriers like limited access to affirming healthcare providers, the lack of representation in medical research, and past experiences with discrimination. Because [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":402,"featured_media":0,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"portfolio_post_id":0,"portfolio_citation":"","portfolio_annotation":"","openlab_post_visibility":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-50","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/402"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":244,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions\/244"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/cuny-lgbt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}